The institute undertakes research in a wide range of areas besides cooperatives. On cooperatives CDI continue to search for approaches that can support sustainable growth of cooperatives in Malawi and contribute to continental cooperative development. To this end, CDI liaises with the continental Africa Cooperative Development Foundation (ACDF) and local universities for knowledge sharing in in-depth policy and problem –centred research with a view of providing recommendations that refocus member-based organizations options and direction.